Saturday, July 17, 2010

I am the nameless and faceless oneWhose eyes you seek to avoidI make my home under the overpassMy very presence Makes you feel uncomfortableYou don’t know how to respond to my plightYou’re not sure if I’m reaping the consequencesOf years of bad or sinful choicesOr if I’ve fallen victim during these tough timesUncertain if you should give me a buckBuy me a cup of coffee on that cold winter mornOr if it’s all a scam from someone too lazy to workWhen you see me fear runs through youFor I’m a reminder just how close you may beTo living under the overpass just like meBy Susan Bunts WachtelJuly 16, 2010

She’s been equipped by GodWith an effective and powerful offensive weaponThe sword of the Spirit…the word of GodDaily she takes out her swordPolishes it, sharpens itThen returns it to its sheathShe’s filled her heart and mind With God’s wordSo that she might not sin against HimBut in the heat of the battleShe fails to draw her weaponThe enemy has nothing to fear from an un-wielded swordOne day when she takes God at His wordWhen she believes and therefore speaksThat foe will retreat and by God’s power she will stand By Susan Bunts WachtelJuly 16, 2010Too often, as Christians, we are quick to memorize scripture…adding verse after verse to our memory banks. But until such time as we actually wield that mighty powerful sword of the Spirit…we will experience defeat. When we memorize scripture but fail to use it, it’s like us taking out the sword, polishing it until it looks bright and shiny, sharpening the blade only to return it to the sheath. When will we begin to take God at His word and wield the effective, powerful offensive weapon He’s given us? What will it take?

Friday, July 16, 2010

One of the questions from last evening’s devotional asked the husband if he felt that his wife appreciates his work.

My husband Chris responded that he felt that I appreciate the work that he does around the home more than I appreciate the work he does at his job, because I see what he does around our home and the yard. But he felt that I really don’t know what he does at work and don’t see him in action.

I explained that yes I do appreciate the fact that he is hard working and gainfully employed. That he is respected and well thought of in his job and has advanced in his career.

After seeing some poor examples guys who are not employed…not temporarily because of a job layoff or due to illness…but because they are lazy and just plain don’t want to work…I greatly appreciate a man who goes to work day after day to earn a living and care for his family.

I appreciate my husband’s job because through it he is able to care for our family…even if it’s just the two of us. God wants a husband to provide and protect. Chris is faithful, honorable and dedicated to do what God requires.

Even as I say that…I know that there are instances, through no fault of the people involved, where a husband may not be able to work…due to being laid off or illness. Goodness knows that even people who want to find jobs in this bad economy, they may have to keep looking for an extended period of time. Perseverance bears witness of a man who is responsible and continues to search for employment despite limited job opportunities. There are also men and women who have been struck with a debilitating illness who would love to work…but because of their affliction…they are physically not able to work.

I assured Chris that I do appreciate the work that he does…both in our home and at his job.

I went on to say that I believe that a working woman may not appreciate a husband who works as much as a stay at home wife and mother. The wife who works within the home and is committed to raising their children and being there for them…may have a deeper appreciation for her husband’s dedication and sacrifice for her and their family.

But a working woman…she’s out there in the job market too. She is also enduring demands, challenges and difficulties in the workplace, just like men do. She’s also out there working hard to bring home a paycheck to help the family and pay bills. Because of that…the appreciation for the responsibility that a man bears to care for his family may be lessened. Perhaps less so for a Christian wife…because we know what God requires of a husband.

I can’t help but think that it also impacts that all import area of respect.

While it’s common and may even be necessary for women to work outside the home…I can’t help but think that the impact on marriages, husbands, wives and children is not all good. There is a price to pay for everything. I wonder sometimes...is the cost too high?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A recent conversation about trust got me to thinking. In practical terms what does trust mean? What does trust look like being lived out in my everyday life?I often respond to be people through the framework of my past…both good and bad experiences, healthy and unhealthy. That may cause me to unfairly evaluate a person’s actions and attribute motives that they may not have.

I believe that trust can begin with the character of the person in whom I trust. Here are some of the characteristics that may influence me to trust. When I believe someone is basically good and has good and kind intentions towards me. When they don’t seem to have a hidden agenda that influences their actions or words. When a person is open and transparent. When they are quick to apologize if they’ve done wrong or said something unkind. If they take ownership of their words, action, attitudes and choices...and don’t play the blame game. Someone whose mood and actions are not easily influenced when things aren’t going their way. When they are consistent in words and deeds. Someone who is humble, teachable and growing in grace and wisdom. With that said…people are flawed, sinful and may not always act in a way that evokes trust. What am I to do, how should I respond? How does trust grow relationships with two people who are growing, changing and are a work in progress? I’m not sure I have the answer to that question. Perhaps it’s something for me to contemplate and bring before the Lord.When I look at the attributes of someone who is trustworthy…God is so far beyond anything on that list. From His word and from His present and active work in my life…I can know with certainty that He is good and only has good intentions for me.So why is it that sometimes I don’t trust God? For one thing…often I see people…including God through lenses that have been shattered by life and people that are sinful. God may allow things in my life that are painful and difficult. God may answer some of my prayers with a resounding “No” or I may only hear silence. In my humanity…it may be difficult for me to see that God truly is working things out for good for me. The good that God is working out may only be manifest in heaven...not here on earth. He may be allowing pain with the purpose of growing me or causing me to depend on Him. As I grow in my knowledge of God and who He is…my trust in Him will grow. When I choose to believe His word over my feelings and circumstances…my trust will remain steadfast. If I believe that God is good and working out everything for good…I can trust Him and the work He is doing even in the midst of difficult circumstances. When I have an ongoing relationship with God…I can come to Him and ask for wisdom and discernment when dealing with people. When I am willing to bring God my wounds and let Him bring healing…I can learn to trust people and see how my past has colored my vision.

Friday, July 09, 2010

When you hear the news that I have passed from this lifePlease do not grieve as those without hopeFor I am truly homeMy faith has given way to sightThat which was dim, I can now see clearlyWhat was once my hope, is now realityAbsent from the body, I’m now present with the LordFrom my Savior’s lips I heard the words I longed forWell done good and faithful servantI have now entered in to the joy of my MasterWhere I am there is no more sin, sickness, sorrow or deathI’m forever more in the presence of Christ Jesus my LordSusan Bunts WachtelJuly 8, 2010

Saturday, July 03, 2010

One thing you learn early on in marriage is how different men and women are and how different both individuals are. I rise early and shortly after getting up…I’m wide awake. Chris on the other hand wakes up more slowly and isn’t ready to engage in a conversation early in the morning. At the end of the day…unless it’s been an exhausting day…I’m still ready to engage in conversation with Chris or anyone else for that matter. After all…we haven’t seen each other most of the day. But when Chris comes home after a long day filled with pressing needs and demands, he is ready to decompress, rest and put the day behind him. Top on his list usually isn’t having an involved conversation. I have the need and desire to talk…and Chris is okay with just being together without conversation. Over the last 20 months…I’ve gotten more used to it. But on occasion…I find myself hurt when Chris is overly quiet or find myself questioning, “is he mad at me?” . Now instead of fretting or worrying…I just ask him if he’s okay? Ninety-nine percent of the time the answer is he’s fine…just tired or that he had a long day. After one of those quiet spells, I told Chris that while I didn’t understand why…that when he is quiet sometimes I feel like he is rejecting me. That somewhere there is an unspoken message that I’m not worthy to be spoken to. It brings up feelings that I am a non-entity. I didn’t know where those feelings originated…I presumed from the past, but didn’t know where. But now it’s impacting my relationship with my husband. Of course Chris responded that not what he’s feeling at all. He’s just tired and tends to be more on the quiet side. I have no doubt what Chris says is true…but where in the world did those feelings come from? Where indeed.My God is so gracious in helping me to understand where those feelings originated from. But He did it at a time when I can approach those feelings with the confidence and assurance of who I am in Christ. He let me see it after I’ve matured and grown in the grace and knowledge of Him. Recently I had an encounter with someone from the past. Someone who I hadn’t seen in years. I said “Hi” and introduced my husband Chris to him. It was the first time he had met Chris. After shaking hands and greeting us he didn’t say a word to us for the rest of the evening. The encounter was kind of uncomfortable…yet insightful.God brought to mind that 25 or 30 years earlier, this man had treated me that same way. If I was in the same room…he treated me as if I didn’t exist. He would seldom look at me or talk to me. This wasn’t a one-time only experience, but repeated over and over again.I came away from this encounter with knowledge about why today, when someone won’t talk to me, it brings back feelings that I am unworthy and a non-person. While it was a painful reminder on something that I had tried to put behind me, it’s something that I can now bring before the Lord and receive the emotional healing that I need.Praise God…I now see myself through the grid of God’s grace. I am mindful that in Christ…I am blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven. What does it matter if man rejects me…when I have been accepted in the Beloved?During those late teens and early adulthood years…I was still trying to figure out who I was. I didn’t know the Lord…so that rejection had a huge impact on me.Today, I can also see that this person is troubled and in need of the Lord every bit as much as I was and continue to be. So every time the enemy seeks to remind me of this rejection I can turn it around and be in prayer for him. I don’t want to let the enemy win on this one. He’s already taken enough ground in this battle…it’s time to take it back. God is able to redeem my hurts and bring healing. He is even able to tender my heart so that I am sensitive to those who also deal with feelings of rejection. Praise His Holy Name!

The inescapable reality of death surrounds meWhen tempted to ponder why bad things happen to good peopleI am reminded…all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GodGenesis 3:6...sin entered the worldAlong with it…deathThe track record is impressive…100%Am I ready to I stand before GodHave my sins been covered by the blood of the LambHave my sins been removed as far as the east is from the westOr will I choose to given an account for my sinsPlead my caseThough I’m not perfect, surely I’m not as bad as someDoes God have a perfect standard or does he grade on the curveWill He look on my outside appearance Or will He examine the inward thoughts and intention of my heartWhile I’ve never committed murder or adulteryIn my heart I’ve hated my brother and lusted after another’s spouseIn me lies no good thingI have put others before You LordRaised up idols disguised as wants and needsCursed You or casually tossed around Your name Oh Lord, I am undoneAt the thought of standing before the Holy & Righteous OneMy lips will plead, “Guilty” But in Christ I have an AdvocateMy Defender will stand beside meHe will plead my case“Father, she’s been redeemedMy blood was shed on Calvary for herHer sins are covered and she’s been set freeMy sin debt has been marked “Paid in Full”The Father now sees me clothed in the righteousness of ChristHe will remember my sins no moreSusan Bunts WachtelJuly 2, 2010

Sword of the Spirit

A Little Something

I’m 57 and though I’m not what I should be, praise God I’m not what I used to be. I spent many years angry at God, running from Him and tried to deny His existence. Through the loving witness of my neighbors the Bocks, I saw a clear picture of God who loves me. At 32, I recognized I was a sinner, repented of my sins and received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I know that God still answers prayers. For many years I prayed for a husband and on the eve of my 49th birthday, God brought Chris Wachtel into my life and 7 months later we were married. I am conservative in my politics, but a former liberal. I even campaigned for Jimmy Carter and I rue that day. I find liberal leftist thinking, while well intentioned, ultimately flawed. I’ve been abundantly blessed by God with gifted pastors and teachers. I’m most grateful for Pastors Philip De Courcy and Chuck Obremski who faithfully taught the Word of God. I've also grown through BSF and CBS Bible Studies. God has recently moved us 1,500 miles from CA to TX. Not sure what the Lord will be doing in us and through us, but I am grateful to be walking with and depending on Him each day.

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My Colors Will Be Clear

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

I no longer need position, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my destination is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few. My Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of the One that gave me life, drew the line in blood for me in the hour of my destiny.

I am one of Christ's remnant people. I belong to Him and none other. All I do to bring this life to another is done because of that blood covenant poured out for me.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. I must share will all that one more might hear and be drawn from the flaming darkness that longs to consume. Reach for another, touch but one more!

Until that moment...He will have no problem in recognizing me- my colors will be clear!!!

Not only are the words inspiring but so is the man behind them. The above letter was written by a Pastor in Africa who was undergoing severe persecution. On the eve of his execution he sat down and wrote the above note.